Circulo De Amigas
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I recently had the opportunity to visit Circulo de Amigas in Jinotega and experience first hand the amazing work that this orgaization does for the development of young women and the community in general. The projects range from planting and maintaining gardens in the neighbourhood, improvements to homes and living conditions, a playground for the children, and overall providing a safe, clean, and inviting atmosphere for learning and sharing. The staff was amazing; warm, friendly and attentive, not just to our needs but you could really see the genuine pride and joy that they offered to the projects and to the participants. And the girls that we met were inspiring! They were sometimes shy but always engaged, intelligent and strong. They will undoubtably provide a positive contribution to the future development of Jinotega and Nicaragua. They deserve the highest respect and our continued support.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
My mother and I had the opportunity to visit C d A in early April 2012. We had the opportunity to meet both younger girls waiting for sponsorship as well as older girls who have been in the program for a few years. The need and the opportunity in the younger girls was apparent, but, importantly, the impact of the program on the older girls was very obvious. These are poised, confident, and bright young women with clear and positive ambitions. C d A does real and important good in the city of Jinotega and we are proud to be able to contribute to this amazing organization.
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The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
We visited the facilities in Jinotega, met the staff, and visited with the girls in the area who receive the benefit of C d A and it's program.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Create a template to replicate it to other towns and cities in Nica and elsewhere.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
Educational opportunities for young, impoverished women in Nicaragua.
Why did you make your donation at this time?
No particular reason. Wish we'd known about it earlier.
What would you tell others about this organization?
What I said in my description and that sponsoring C d A gives you the chance to make a true connection that will not only expand your worldview, but expand your family :)
I worked with Circulo de Amigas in while I was in Nicaragua for 2 years. I don't know of an organization that is doing better work for girls and young women in northern Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan staff made up of intelligent, dedicated, responsible strong women- great role models for the girls who are part of the organization. Their library is a treasure in the community. I saw first hand the amazing work Circulo de Amigas does, their dedicated sponsors make a true difference in the lives of the girls they sponsor and in the community at large.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Circulo de Amigas is making a difference--in my life and in the life of a young woman who is studying to be a nurse at the university nearby.
When my husband and I were assigned our student as sponsors, we didn't really know what to expect.
Only by communicating often over the last 6 years, being provided with her reports of progress and finally visiting her twice that, in our eyes, a student who was a photo and a number has transformed into a caring young woman whose primary goal is to obtain an education and a career to support herself and her son.
If you have not been to Jinotega, it is difficult to understand the depth of poverty in the barrios of this beautiful mountain town.
Funds provided by us have given our student and her family a sturdy roof over their heads, a concrete wall to divert a contaminated stream and other materials. They still have dirt floors, but hopefully , that will change one day as well.
Circulo de Amigas provides a way in which we can directly affect the life and education of one person--it is only one, but some day, it will be many.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
...visiting Jintega twice to see what has transpired since we were first there. Many changes have taken place: a much-improved library, a gardening project for many families, a fruit-tree planting project, a new fence for a playground, etc.etc. There are two many things to mention.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would increase the volunteers who are sponsors. The same people continue to do the heavy lifting for the organization.
Circulo meets the needs of young women who are truly indigent. It does this by focusing on their education, paring them with loving donors who take a special interest in their welfare, and by paying local people to administer programs. The Board and administrative functions in the US are strictly volunteer based, so 100% of the aid given benefits the recipients and the local economy.
Education is the key component to improving the recipients long term future. It allows for the general improvement of Nicaraguan society and directly improves the lives of young women.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have only visited Jinotega once. However, the trip was well worth it. While both girls have benefitted, we provided vitamins and special support for one who was particularly in need. She has gone from a dull malnourished child who did not know her letters or numbers to one who is doing well in school, and is increasingly confident about her future. She has worked extremely hard and has made amazing progress.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would work to broaden the sponsor base and improve fund raising efforts. Volunteers in the US can only do so much, and the need is really overwhelming.
I learned of Circulo de Amigas through my church a number of years ago, and decided to sponsor a girl. It has been wonderful to get to know her through letters and photos, and to share experiences from each of our cultures. She is now in her second year of secondary school, and has hopes to attend the university. In the years I have sponsored her, I have seen her grow in a love for learning and to begin to think of a future with greater possibilities. She, and other girls like her, would not have had the opportunity for an education without "padrinos" to provide support.
I believe that for anyone, the best investment for life is a good education, and particularly so for children in developing countries. I have sponsored children through various organizations since I was a student in college (30+ years), and Circulo de Amigas is by far the best organization for sponsoring education for needy children that I have come across.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Having the satisfaction of helping the girl I sponsor and her family, not only in education, but towards having a new home. Learning about the lifestyle and customs of people in Jinotega, Nicaragua has enriched my life. In volunteering with this organization I have met many dedicated people, with a true commitment to making the world a better place.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have more sponsors and donors to carry forth the great work done by Circulo de Amigas.
Our congregation has been involved with Circulo de Amigas CdA) for several years. Over the years we have sent donations to assist them with their vital work educating girls, and collected boxes full of plastic bags to be made into purses which are sold to raise funds. Two years ago a group of church members decided to sponsor a girl. This was one of the best decisions we have ever made. Each month we send in our sponsorship check and in return we receive letters full of love and gratitude not only from this bright, adorable girl, who is now 7 years old, but also from her mother, along with her report card and painstakingly created art work. The monthly stipend not only covers school expenses for the student, but also provides a small amount to help the family. Last year I had the opportunity to visit CdA in Nicaragua and meet "our" girl and her family. I was welcomed with open arms and felt like one of the CdA family. The staff is exceptional and caring. It was an amazing and life-changing experience. I hope to return in the not too distant future. So much good work has been done over the years and, from what I hear, more to come. Sponsoring a girl is one of the most rewarding things anyone can do.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
During my visit to CdA last year I personally was able to see the results of their work. The facility houses an extensive library, computer lab, provides homework assistance and provides any kind of help needed (food, home repairs, etc.).
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
CdA is lead by an innovative Board which is in the process of expanding services to reach more girls and provide more services.
I stumbled, unexpectedly, onto CdA some time ago and am so proud to be a Board member of this dedicated organization. It's great to be a part of something that's so important to the people it serves. We're working hard to develop our programs to make a BIGGER impact with the resources we have. Our students and employees have complete precedence and I look forward to doing more for them and our community in Jinotega.
You couldn't ask for a better group of talented, caring, and enthusiastic people!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As a volunteer, CdA brings joy and love to my heart. It's very fulfilling to know that my hard work is really helping our community in Nicaragua.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
... make it more visible. That's hard to do in this economy.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
Through a friend.
We have been sponsoring a young lady for 7 years. She would not have been able to attend school without a sponsor. She is now 19 years old and attending university to become a nurse. Through the years we have been sent copies of her report cards and she wrote letters to us. Although we have never seen her in person I feel I know her and am proud of her success in school. She now writes to me in English. It is gratifying to actually see results from your contributions.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Receiving letters written by this student and getting to know her as a person.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I believe it is very well run by dedicated people.
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